Water Damage Repair Services
When water damage strikes your Central Florida property, fast professional action protects your investment and prevents costly secondary damage. R & G Builders provides comprehensive water damage restoration—from emergency water extraction and structural drying through complete repairs and rebuilding—backed by over 40 years of experience serving Central Florida since 1983.
24/7 Water Damage Repair Across Central Florida
R & G Builders delivers emergency water removal and full-service restoration for homes and businesses throughout Orange, Seminole, Lake, Volusia, and Osceola counties. As a licensed and insured general contractor, we respond quickly to stop active water intrusion, extract standing water, and begin the drying process that prevents mold growth and structural deterioration. Our typical response time ranges from 60 to 90 minutes depending on your location, though severe weather events may extend this window.
Unlike large franchise operations, we handle every phase under one roof—our own crews perform water mitigation, repairs, and reconstruction, eliminating the hassle of coordinating multiple contractors or subcontractors.
Common Causes We Handle in Florida
We restore properties affected by burst pipes, hurricane and tropical storm flooding, roof leaks, appliance overflows, sewer backups, and slab leaks. Florida’s high humidity accelerates damage significantly—materials that might take 48 hours to develop mold in drier climates can show growth within 24 hours here, making professional water damage cleanup time-sensitive.
Why Fast Action Prevents Mold and Structural Issues
Water wicks into drywall, insulation, and framing within minutes of initial contact. Left unaddressed, moisture creates conditions for mold spores to colonize within 24 to 48 hours in Central Florida’s climate.
Timeline of Damage:
- Within 1 hour: Water spreads through porous materials via capillary action
- 1-24 hours: Drywall swells, metal surfaces begin tarnishing, wood furniture finishes bloat
- 24-48 hours: Mold spores begin colonization, wood starts warping, metal corrosion accelerates
Hidden moisture trapped in wall cavities and subfloors leads to wood rot, compromised structural integrity, and potential electrical hazards. Surfaces may appear dry while framing lumber and insulation retain moisture—professional moisture mapping with calibrated meters remains the only reliable verification method.
Our 7-Step Water Damage Repair Process
- Emergency Contact and Dispatch: We collect information about the water source, affected square footage, and immediate safety concerns while providing guidance on shutting off water supplies and circuit breakers.
- Moisture Mapping: We use penetrating and non-penetrating moisture meters plus thermal imaging cameras to identify wet materials, including those behind finished surfaces.
- Water Extraction: Truck-mounted extractors and portable units remove standing water. Category 2 (gray water) and Category 3 (black water) receive containment protocols to prevent cross-contamination.
- Structural Drying: High-velocity air movers and commercial dehumidifiers operate continuously. We take daily moisture readings and adjust equipment placement until readings meet industry dry standards (typically 12-15% moisture content for wood framing).
- Sanitization: We apply EPA-registered antimicrobial treatments to affected surfaces as appropriate for the water category.
- Repairs and Reconstruction: Our licensed contractors handle drywall replacement, flooring installation, trim carpentry, painting, and cabinet work. Material selection matches or improves upon original specifications.
- Final Documentation: We provide moisture verification readings, photographic documentation of completed work, and our written workmanship guarantee.
What to Do Before We Arrive
Shut off the water source if accessible and safe. Never touch electrical panels or enter standing water if outlets or appliances are submerged.
Document everything with photos: the water source, each affected room, and damaged belongings with visible brand names or serial numbers.
Remove portable items from wet areas if you can do so safely—elevate furniture legs with aluminum foil or blocks.
Pricing and Insurance Coordination
Restoration costs vary based on water category, affected square footage, materials requiring replacement, and structural accessibility. Mitigation typically requires 3-5 days; reconstruction timelines depend on material availability and project scope. We provide itemized written estimates after our initial assessment.
We document moisture readings, photograph all project phases, and prepare detailed scopes to support insurance claims. You remain responsible for contacting your insurer, paying your deductible, and understanding your policy coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can drywall be saved if it gets wet?
Sometimes. Drywall wet for under 48 hours from clean water may be salvageable with proper drying. Contaminated water or prolonged saturation typically requires replacement. See our termite and water damage repairs page for structural restoration details.
When should I call my insurance company?
Within 24 hours of discovering damage. Delayed reporting can complicate claims processing.
Do I need mold testing after water damage?
Proper mitigation within 24-48 hours usually prevents growth. If you notice musty odors or visible growth after drying, visit our mold remediation services page.
Schedule Your Free Assessment
Contact us for a no-obligation on-site inspection and written estimate. As a family-owned Central Florida contractor since 1983, we provide the personalized service and accountability that franchise operations can’t match.
